Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) Practice Exam

What does "displacement" measure in vibration analysis?

1. The speed of the vibrating object

2. The physical movement of the vibrating object

3. The force applied to the object

4. The frequency of vibration

The correct answer is: The physical movement of the vibrating object

Displacement in vibration analysis specifically refers to the physical movement of a vibrating object from its resting position. It measures how far the object moves during vibrations, typically expressed in units like millimeters or inches. This measurement is crucial for understanding the severity of vibrations and assessing the condition of machinery. By evaluating displacement, maintenance professionals can determine whether the vibrations are within acceptable ranges or if they indicate potential mechanical issues. This parameter is key in predictive maintenance as it can help identify misalignments, imbalance, and wear in equipment that would necessitate intervention. In contrast, other aspects such as speed, force, and frequency relate to different characteristics of vibration but do not measure the physical movement itself as displacement does.